A Qualitative Study of Community Perceptions of Speeding and Road Safety in Agona Swedru, Ghana

Abstract

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) continue to be a grave public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Ghana. Community perceptions of this issue are still being investigated, despite the fact that speeding is a significant contributor to RTAs. This research employs a qualitative research design to investigate the attitudes of the community towards road safety and racing in Agona Swedru, Ghana. A total of 89 respondents were purposively sampled. This encompasses pedestrians, licensed commercial and private vehicles, and local leaders who participated in semi-structured interviews. Additionally, thematic analysis was implemented to analyse the qualitative data. The study's findings suggest that economic constraints among commercial drivers are a contributing factor to speeding, while infrastructural deficiencies, such as the absence of speed barriers and appropriate signage, exacerbate road safety risks. Despite the widespread recognition of road safety regulations, compliance remains low due to corruption and insufficient enforcement. The failure to confront the socio-economic realities of the local community resulted in the perception that public awareness campaigns were ineffective. The study suggests a multifaceted approach to road safety that includes the implementation of context-specific public awareness campaigns, the enforcement of speed regulations with greater vigour, and infrastructure improvements.